Author: Ted Tsai

Posted on

On The Job Front

I haven’t gone back to my blog to write stuff for 9 days. Not that I’ve been lazy but I’ve been busy preparing for job interviews. Yes, job interviews. Lucky me!

It’s OK if you are not ready, as long as you are prepared.

Every time I go preparing for an interview, I often come up with something new I can talk about. It goes to show you can never be sure that you are ready for it. I’ve found that having a good preparation such as writing a few drafts beforehand, coupled with a simple breathing exercise or meditation practice, keeps my mind at ease. The rest, I’ll just leave it up to fate. Why fate? Too many factors are way outside my control.

Talking about control, the last thing you want is distractions. You never know what’s around the corner. Say if you’re selected to have a telephone interview tomorrow, what if one of your neighbours starts to mow the lawn or operate machinery or play loud music right when you’re speaking with an interviewer? Tough luck! Or if you’re having a video interview which has become increasingly popular these days, you may run into some annoying issue as mentioned above. Worst yet, if your internet cuts out or some unexpected event disrupts at the last minute. Your best bet is to shut all the doors and windows hoping you’ll have some peace and quiet moment.

This job I applied for 3 weeks ago, I was competing against other 200 plus candidates. Statistically, my chances of landing the job are less than 0.5%. Very slim indeed! Well, I was lucky enough to get shortlisted for the first round and the second round of interviews. What can I say? It’s been quite a journey! Words aren’t enough to describe it. The best way to put it is: It’s been an emotional roller coaster. Yes? No? Yes? No? Now, let the waiting game begin again!

If I can share with you one good tip about job searching, that is, working on a cover letter. Let’s face it, all resumes/CV’s are kind of boring to read. So, your cover letter is your way to showcasing “the other side of you” and adding your personal touch to your skills, experience and personality.

So far, my chances of getting a positive response are 1 in 8 in the past 2 months alone. I’m actually quite pleased with the results. Considering the job market, the unemployment rate and the economic climate affected by the coronavirus pandemic, I still got calls from companies wanting to have an interview with me, I can’t complain.

I guess I could wait till I’ve landed a job and start to rave about my success. But that’s not who I am and that’s not what success is all about. For me, each small win is a success in itself and by all means worth celebrating. For example, sending a job application is a small win, getting shortlisted for an interview is a small win. When you’ve accumulated enough small wins, you get to cross the finish line and arrive at the destination.

What now? I shall find out next week if I’ve been shortlisted for the final round of interview. I’m counting my blessings. It’s nice to see lots of my friends keep their fingers crossed for me. Whatever the outcome is, I will give myself a pat on the back for having come this far. I know if not this one, it’ll be the next one and the next one.

Don’t assume and don’t give up…

Posted on

Ted’s Photography 4

The Destination: Known.

The Journey: Unknown.

Sometimes you need to block all the noises that distract you and just follow your nose – the intuition – the inner radar.

A week ago I came back to Manly Dam to finish unfinished business – finding the waterfall. Forget about the Google Maps app, this adventure was all about trusting own instincts. Did I have fear of getting lost? You bet, but part of me, the silly stubborn side of me kept going without a slightest pause.

It was Christmas Day 2016 when I last ventured into this site with my dog Jamie. This time I was on my own with his ashes – my kindred spirit for life. With a bit perseverance, I voluntarily let my faint memories lead the way. And? There it was! The waterfall. Time for a photo opportunity… Ted Tsai

Posted on

Ted’s Photography 3

Interestingly, what was thought to be a mistake, it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. This is one of hidden gems I recovered by accident or after making a “wrong” turn. I guess a road less travelled has its payoff too… Ted Tsai

Posted on

Ted’s Photography 2

Who says you can’t have fun when you are on your own? I like the fact that I can jump into my car and go for a drive whenever possible, without having to make a prior arrangement with anyone or conform to their tight schedule.

It’s been several years since I went exploring Manly Dam last time. Around a week ago I came to this area for bush walking and to have some downtime with myself. Of course, I wasn’t entirely alone. I also carried Jamie’s ashes with me.

I often find inspiration for my creativity when I go out and about. Occasionally I do a bit people-watching. Most of the time I prefer some peace and quiet and just immerse myself in nature and try to live in the moment. I guess I can call it my way of meditation.

Before I knew it, it was time to wrap up the day. The sunset was truly beautiful. Luckily, I was quick enough to capture the tinniest moment before it went hiding behind the clouds on the horizon… Ted Tsai

Posted on

That’s What Mothers Do

Just you and me! Mother-Son time.

That day I called my mum and asked her out for a walk. She said OK straight away, even without knowing where I was going to take her to. She doesn’t mind if I give her a moment notice. That’s what mothers do…

When we got there, she mentioned I’ve lost some weight since Jamie’s (my dog) passing. I could tell she was a bit teary behind the sunglasses. To get out of it, I quickly suggested that we take some photos.

Then, a typical perfectionist, a hard-to-please son, I was quite critical of my mum’s photography skills and trying to offer my “expert” advice, but judging by the results, it was totally unnecessary. I must say she did an excellent job…

Again, that’s what mothers do… No further narrative is required.

Ted

Posted on

Ted’s Photography 1

The companionship of this senior couple is heartwarming and the tree symbolises it – tall, strong and majestic. It can stand alone in all weather conditions. I just had to capture this moment… Ted Tsai

Posted on

Ted’s Quote 44

In a dog’s eyes…

There is only one race, it’s called Human Race.

There is only one colour, it’s called True Colour.

Dogs aren’t just man’s best friend, they are also our best teacher… Ted Tsai

Posted on

Bad Behaviour Will Not Be Tolerated

2020, let’s face it, the world is a mess.

Haven’t we seen enough of job loss, economic downturn, social instability and political unrest? It doesn’t just stop there. Encompassing everyday struggles and personal issues, no wonder people are stressed out.

When I walk down to the shops in my local area, there’s a strange vibe in the air. The atmosphere is markedly different now. While governments are gradually easing restrictions, returning to normal is still some distance away. These days people are wary and guarded everywhere they go. Hand sanitisers, social distancing and hygiene practice have become the new norm.

We’re all trying to remain sane and safe in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Sure, we’re only human, we can only take so much. We get anxious about the future, our job, our bank account and our health. Some have started to show abnormal reaction or over-reaction overtly or behind closed doors, it’s understandable. But under no circumstances, bad behaviour can be excused.

Why have I just said that?

Friday night. Done with my grocery shopping. As I was returning a shopping trolley to the trolley station near the entrance to the supermarket, all of sudden a guy from behind, pushed a trolley hard against my legs. It was a deliberate act, he did it on purpose. In no way it was an accident. The force was so big that it caused my left ankle to bruise immediately. I was screaming in pain.

Who the hell? I looked back. There he was – That idiot, a middle aged male with a grin on his face, showing zero remorse, giving no apology, acting like as if nothing had happened then walked off.

I was carrying 4 bags of grocery in my arms, feeling tired and hungry. I just wanted to go home. I had a decision to make – Either count myself unlucky, ignore him and leave or deal with it.

One witness who came forward was kind enough to ask if I’m OK. I said, I’m alright, fortunately, it’s not bleeding but it’s bruising. With his encouragement, I decided to pursue the matter further. I wasn’t going to let that idiot get away with it just like that.

Excuse me! I yelled as I was trying to call that idiot out. He noticed I wasn’t giving up, took a look at me and said a few words that I didn’t quite hear exactly but certainly it wasn’t a sorry I was hoping for. By the look of his face and body language, I could tell that he was not apologetic, worse yet, he was still wearing the same grin on his face.

Later, I went to speak to a couple of store staff about this incident. With my persistence, the matter was escalated to the store manager.

As I was explaining to the store manager about the incident, I was at the height of my emotion. I was reasonably calm and polite but very firm in my language. I demanded that idiot to be banned from their store. By then, that idiot was already at one of the self-serve check outs finalising his purchase.

The store manager was one fine gentleman, he exhibited a high degree of empathy towards me, apologised for what had happened, he even apologised on that idiot’s behalf.

I told him that as a store, they’re not responsible for an individual’s erratic behaviour as such but they do have responsibility to ensure safety and security of their shoppers while on the premises. I insisted that idiot should be stopped and spoken to. His wrongdoing, that kind of behaviour will not be accepted in their store and anywhere. The store manager promised he’ll speak with him. For my own safety, I agreed not to be present by his side and just let him deal with that idiot.

The next morning when I woke up, I felt there was still an unfinished business from the night before. So I decided to call the supermarket to find out if that idiot was spoken to. As the store manger was off duty till later in the evening, I ended up speaking with the second in charge – the duty manager. A long story short, he promised that he’ll personally follow up with the store manager, call me and let me know. He’ll also raise a safety issue in their next meeting and discuss about having a signage put up around the store.

Then, around 9:55 PM before the store shut their door at 10 PM, I got a call from the store manager. He assured to me that he did speak with that idiot about the incident. According to the store manager, that idiot had a bad day. He knew what he did was wrong, he was remorseful and apologetic for the harm he’d caused. It will not happen again.

Soon after the call ended, I felt a great sense of relief mixed with gratitude and achievement. Now that idiot took note of my loud-and-clear message: Bad behaviour will not be tolerated. For me, it was time to move on… 

Posted on

Ted’s Quote 42

If you can’t change the environment or circumstances you are in, change yourself.

But what if you can’t change yourself or don’t want to?! Well, CAMOUFLAGE yourself… Ted Tsai